5 Amazing Moments at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Twisting through the rolling hills just outside Budapest, the Hungaroring is a circuit that rewards rhythm, finesse, and the kind of patience few Formula 1 drivers possess. Since its debut in 1986, the Hungarian Grand Prix has delivered more than its fair share of strategic masterclasses, shocking upsets, and moments of pure racing magic.
Let’s revisit five amazing moments that prove the Hungarian Grand Prix is a cornerstone of Formula 1 drama.
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1986 – Formula 1 Goes Behind the Iron Curtain
FLASHBACK TO 1986
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 27, 2018
The first ever Hungarian GP was a battle of the Brazilians ⚔️
With Nelson Piquet brilliantly drifting past Ayrton Senna 😱#HungarianGP 🇭🇺 #F1 pic.twitter.com/hxaFJnSOqf
The very first Hungarian Grand Prix wasn’t just a race—it was a political and cultural milestone. Held at the purpose-built Hungaroring, it marked Formula 1’s first foray into the Eastern Bloc, a massive event that drew over 200,000 fans from across the Iron Curtain. The race itself was a thriller: Nelson Piquet’s bold move on Ayrton Senna—slinging his Williams around the outside and power-sliding through Turn 1—was the stuff of legend. As GrandPrixExperience.com recalls, the race fused East and West, sport and symbolism, and set the tone for Hungary’s permanent place on the calendar. It was a spectacular start for a race that would come to define the second half of the F1 season.
Hungarian Grand Prix 1997 – Damon Hill Nearly Wins for Arrows
One of the most astonishing underdog stories in F1 history almost unfolded at the Hungaroring in 1997. Damon Hill, the reigning world champion, had moved from Williams to the uncompetitive Arrows team—a squad that had never sniffed a victory. But that day, everything clicked. Hill dominated the race, leading lap after lap with stunning precision. With just one lap to go, hydraulic issues slowed his car, allowing Jacques Villeneuve to slip by for the win. Still, as Formula1.com notes, Hill’s second-place finish felt like a victory. It was a rare moment when talent nearly transcended machinery—and one of the most emotional near-misses the sport has ever seen.
2006 – Jenson Button’s First Grand Prix Victory
Never give up… @JensonButton scored his first win in his 113th race start #OnThisDay at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix #MondayMotivation #F1 pic.twitter.com/oc24zYsjJy
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 6, 2018
After 113 starts and countless heartbreaks, Jenson Button finally found glory in the rain-soaked 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix. Starting 14th on the grid, Button drove with courage and control in treacherous conditions, scything through the field and eventually taking the lead after Fernando Alonso’s retirement. According to Wikipedia, he became the first Brit to win a race since David Coulthard in 2003 and gave Honda their first win as a full constructor since 1967. The scenes of Button standing atop the podium, fist in the air, remain one of the most joyous images in modern F1 history. It wasn’t just a win—it was a weight lifted, a career transformed, and a statement of what was still to come.
2021 – Ocon Holds On in a Hungarian Upset
The Hungarian Grand Prix has a knack for throwing up wild results—and 2021 was no exception. On a chaotic, rain-hit opening lap, multiple front-runners were taken out in a multi-car pileup, opening the door for Alpine’s Esteban Ocon to seize the lead. From there, Ocon drove flawlessly under immense pressure from Sebastian Vettel, who stalked him for nearly the entire race. As MotorsportGuides.com recounts, Ocon held on to secure his first ever Grand Prix victory, marking Alpine’s first win as well. Behind the scenes, Fernando Alonso played the perfect teammate—holding up Lewis Hamilton just long enough to protect Ocon’s lead. It was a day of teamwork, resilience, and an unlikely but unforgettable triumph.
2023 – Daniel Ricciardo Returns, and Norris Nearly Steals the Show
After months out of the cockpit, Daniel Ricciardo made his return to Formula 1 at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix—replacing Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri and drawing global attention. But the spotlight soon shifted to McLaren’s Lando Norris, who chased Max Verstappen and Red Bull with fire in his eyes. Though Norris didn’t win, his pace was electric and he firmly established himself as Verstappen’s closest challenger that weekend. As Formula1.com reported, it was another strong statement for McLaren’s resurgence—and Ricciardo’s gritty P13 finish after first-lap contact proved the Aussie hadn’t lost his edge. The race had everything: comebacks, rivalries, and a glimpse of the future.
The Hungarian Grand Prix continues to defy expectations. Whether it’s the birth of new champions, the heartbreak of mechanical failure, or a strategic masterpiece under unpredictable skies, the Hungaroring always delivers something unforgettable. It may be tight and twisty—but it never runs out of surprises.
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